Unique Host Gifts

Last week, we featured classic host gifts that never fail. This week, we pulled together some quirkier host gift options for those who prefer more individual presents. Who can refuse the gift of bacon?

1-15 of 15

• “Offspring Blanks” Box Set

  

  These fantastic note cards feature drawings by seven-year old Jarek superimposed on rich botanical prints. I’m still hoarding the pterodactyl.

  $22 at Binth

  Posted: 04 Mar, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Tiny Mighties Magnets 16 Pack

  

  Teeny, curiously strong magnets. A single magnet can hold several pieces of paper, and they’re unobtrusive, so you can actually see what you’ve tacked up.

  $8 at Amazon

  Posted: 04 Mar, 2008 by Margaret Mason

• Benton’s Smoked Country Bacon

  

  You’re lucky bacon comes from pigs, because if it came from angels, you’d probably still have to kill them. And then God would be extra pissed at you.

  From Esquire Magazine’s Second Annual All Meat Gift Guide.

  $20 at Benton's Hams

  Posted: 07 Dec, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Mister Mustard Sweet Hot Mustard

  

  Awesome retro label aside, this is my favorite hotdog mustard. It’s delicious, and it has a little kick, but it’s not trying to be more than it is. Excellent to have on hand for post-feast sandwich fests.

  $2 at Amazon

  Posted: 07 Nov, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Modern-Twist Vinotagz

  

  Non-irritating wine charms.

  $14 at Twig

  Posted: 10 Oct, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Mr. Bubble Original Bubble Bath

  

  Remember?

  Forget the fancy lavender hand soap. If your host has kids, this is their soap of choice.

  $4 at Amazon

  Posted: 13 Feb, 2007 by Margaret Mason

• Cut-N-Seal

  

  This device seals in the peanut butter and jelly and makes an attractive, sofa-safe pocket sandwich for your kids. Way cooler than using the top of a glass.

  $9 at The Pampered Chef

  Posted: 23 Aug, 2006 by Margaret Mason

• Table Topics

  

  These clear acrylic cubes contain question cards to keep conversation lively. Choose from the Original, Teen, or Family versions, and you’ll never have to suffer through an uncomfortable silence again.

  $24 at Uncommon Goods

  Posted: 03 Jan, 2006 by Margaret Mason

• Sunflower Seeds

  

  Like peanut M&Ms, but with sunflower seeds inside. Wee bits of sweet.

  $6 at The Cocoa Room

  Posted: 30 Sep, 2005 by Margaret Mason

• Teastick

  

  An artfully designed option for loose-tea drinkers, the teastick scoops up your tea, slides shut, and rests against the side of your mug or teacup while the tea brews. The designers claim that it supports the “optimum flow for perfect steeping.” I just think it’s pretty. Thanks for the tip, Heather!

  $20 at Gamila

  Posted: 01 Aug, 2005 by Margaret Mason

• 1980s Retro Candy Gift Box

  

  Lemon Heads, Atomic Fireballs, Pixy Stix, Jolly Ranchers… how long has it been since you ate a piece of candy that turned your tongue completely green? This Retro Candy Gift Box brings the Quickie Mart to your doorstep. Just skip the soda when you break open your Pop Rocks. We all know what happened to Mikey.

  $24 at Amazon

  Posted: 20 Jul, 2005 by Margaret Mason

• Kitten Mitten

  

  Your last host gift was fresh flowers, but the cat tackled them. Time for a new tactic.

  $7 at Cat Toys

  (Lined with catnip.)

  Posted: 26 May, 2005 by Margaret Mason

• Ice Cream Scoop

  

  The perfect ice cream scoop. Tie a ribbon around the handle, and pick up a pint of gourmet ice cream on your way over. You will be invited back.

  $17 at Amazon

  Posted: 18 Apr, 2005 by Margaret Mason

• Xocolatl Hot Chocolate

  

  Delicious. Xocolatl (pronounced Choco-la’tl) emphasizes the “hot” part of hot chocolate. It’s based on a traditional Aztec drink that combines chocolate with a whomp of chilies and a little cinnamon. If you need a gallon of water to get through a tamale, don’t try this at home. But if you can appreciate a dessert with some kick, this cocoa is the spice of life.

  $9 at Dagoba

  (12 oz.)

  Posted: 01 Mar, 2005 by Margaret Mason

• Sofia Mini Blanc de Blanc

  

  Brilliant! I’m completely charmed by these flirty individual servings of bubbly. Ideal for celebration of personal triumphs. The design is entirely too persuasive. They come in a four-pack and have tiny telescoping straws attached to the sides. It’s the much giddier alternative to grabbing a six pack on your way to ladies night. Yes, you’re thinking, but does it taste like can? No. It’s actually quite good. I found it light, with a faint taste of green apples. If you like sparkling wines, you’ll enjoy this. I will say that when I tried sipping without the straw, I found the smell of the can a bit distracting. If you pour it into a glass, there’s no lingering aluminum scent. One can holds about two flutes’ worth. Finally, an inexpensive way to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine without ruining a whole bottle. I’m keeping a few in the fridge for Sunday-morning mimosas, but I expect to see the pink cans showing up for wedding toasts, bachelorettes, showers, beach picnics, and girls’ nights on the town. (Thanks, Amanda!)

  $15 at Rosso & Bianco

  Posted: 10 Dec, 2004 by Margaret Mason

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